India has the highest number of maternal and child deaths in the world. Around 1
in 5 of all maternal deaths and 1 in 4 of all under 5 child deaths occur in India
alone. Rural areas, such as Pakur district of Jharkhand state are most severely affected.

There are life-saving technologies and services to prevent these deaths; however,
they are not always accessible to women and children. The main barriers are known
as “the three deadly delays”: 1. Delays in deciding to seek health care, 2. Delays
in reaching appropriate health care, and 3. Delays in receiving adequate treatment
once at a health facility.

Many people lack health knowledge, and due to cultural norms, women often lack authority
to make decisions without approval from husbands or in-laws. People living in remote
and isolated areas have difficulty reaching a health clinic due to lack of roads
and transportation. In addition, the quality of care at health clinics is often
poor, due to inadequately trained health workers and shortages of drugs and supplies.

HealthBridge is working in collaboration with its local Indian partner EFICOR to
ensure that all women and children in Pakur receive essential health care services.
Our comprehensive approach involves:

1. Strengthening the delivery of government health care services in the villages,
including ante and post natal care, safe delivery care, nutrition counselling and
supplements, immunization and treatment for malaria, diarrhea and acute respiratory
illness.

2. Educating communities about proper maternal and child health behaviours, including
nutrition, breast feeding, hygiene, and the dangers signs that indicate one should
seek medical care.

3. Engaging men and empowering women to promote positive communication and shared
decision making between family members.

We are working in synergy with the government health system to help ensure that our
results are sustainable and carried forward after the project ends.

Goals and Expected Results:

The overall goal of this 3-year project is to reduce maternal, newborn and child
deaths in the district of Pakur of Jharkhand State, India. The project will benefit
around 140,000 women and nearly 123,000 children under age 5. The expected results
are:

1200 households received an educational calendar and leaflet with information on
critical maternal and child health behaviours.

60 community outreach events were conducted, educating 3000 people on recommended
maternal and child health practices.

Engaging Men and Empowering Women

24 community groups were conducted with 1138 pregnant/ lactating mothers, husbands
and mothers in-law. These groups, known locally as “Saas, Bahu, Pati Sammelan” (mother
in-law, daughter in-law and husband groups), use interactive games and exercises
to improve knowledge and family communication about maternal and child health care.